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COLUMBUS WAS GOOD? YOU’RE KIDDING!
Here’s social media commentator Sizwe SikaMusi @SizweLo setting the record straight on Christopher Columbus.
Open a history book and it will probably gush the Italian navigator’s voyages paved the way for European exploration. His brutal displacement, enslavement and killing of Native Americans will likely get glossed over.
As does the fact Mansa Abubakr II (the brother of Mansa Musa, the ninth Mansa of the Mali Empire) is believed to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean nearly 200 hundred years before Columbus.
Well, Sizwe reads an excerpt from Columbus’ own journal that underlines how ‘horrible’ he was. And she says it’s time we burnt every bit of history the United States has taught us.
Here’s social media commentator Sizwe SikaMusi @SizweLo setting the record straight on Christopher Columbus.
Open a history book and it will probably gush the Italian navigator’s voyages paved the way for European exploration. His brutal displacement, enslavement and killing of Native Americans will likely get glossed over.
As does the fact Mansa Abubakr II (the brother of Mansa Musa, the ninth Mansa of the Mali Empire) is believed to have crossed the Atlantic Ocean nearly 200 hundred years before Columbus.
Well, Sizwe reads an excerpt from Columbus’ own journal that underlines how ‘horrible’ he was. And she says it’s time we burnt every bit of history the United States has taught us.
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Continued……The rosy picture painted of Columbus is just one example. Schools have excluded topics like slavery, racial violence, or systemic discrimination to avoid political backlash or community disputes. Recently, changes in Florida state’s Black History curriculum teaches how slavery was beneficial to Black people because they learnt agricultural techniques, specialised trades and worked as labourers, musicians, and healers in the North and South. The depiction of Thanksgiving commemorating a peaceful feast between pilgrims and Indians is another warped interpretation of history. The ‘holiday’ is connected to the massacre of Native Americans by the English and Dutch in the 17th century.
Sizwe doesn’t mince her words. Give us yours and take our poll.
Video credits:
@SizweLo
@lajefacat via Tik-tok
Sizwe doesn’t mince her words. Give us yours and take our poll.
Video credits:
@SizweLo
@lajefacat via Tik-tok
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AFRO-MEXICANS, A FORGOTTEN LOT!
Afro-Mexicans make up about 2 per cent of Mexico’s 129-million population. However, after the Mexican Revolution in 1910, the state emphasised a Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European) identity, marginalising Afro-Mexicans.
But who are the Afro-Mexicans? Spaniards captured their ancestors in Africa and sold them into slavery in ‘New Spain,’ now modern Mexico, after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. Those Africans who escaped plantations settled on Mexico’s highlands and Pacific Ocean coastline to become what we know today as Afro-Mexicans, now one of Mexico’s 69 distinct cultural identities.
Afro-Mexicans make up about 2 per cent of Mexico’s 129-million population. However, after the Mexican Revolution in 1910, the state emphasised a Mestizo (mixed Indigenous and European) identity, marginalising Afro-Mexicans.
But who are the Afro-Mexicans? Spaniards captured their ancestors in Africa and sold them into slavery in ‘New Spain,’ now modern Mexico, after the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire in the 16th century. Those Africans who escaped plantations settled on Mexico’s highlands and Pacific Ocean coastline to become what we know today as Afro-Mexicans, now one of Mexico’s 69 distinct cultural identities.
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Continued….. Almost 500 years later, during the 2019 census, Mexico amended its constitution to recognise Afro-Mexicans as an ethnic group. This historic step acknowledged Africans’ existence in the country and paved the way for healthcare funding, among other benefits.
We hope this marginalised community of Africans obtains economic and political equality in the country they call home.
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We hope this marginalised community of Africans obtains economic and political equality in the country they call home.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
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From U.S soldiers getting kicked out of Niger to an African teenager becoming the Euros’ youngest ever goalscorer, here’s our weekly photo dump.
Niamey, Niger – Packing to go home, US soldiers load vehicles onto cargo planes. It marks the first departure of US troops from Niger, which has told them to leave. Neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso are also expelling exploitative foreign troops from their soil, as the trio press ahead with their own mutual defence pact.
Niamey, Niger – General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger (right) salutes alongside Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso. They met as part of a presidential summit of military leaders for the inaugural meeting of the Alliance of Sahel States. On the agenda was bolstering regional security through a mutual defence pact. The alliance is made up of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which left the broader Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January.
Niamey, Niger – Packing to go home, US soldiers load vehicles onto cargo planes. It marks the first departure of US troops from Niger, which has told them to leave. Neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso are also expelling exploitative foreign troops from their soil, as the trio press ahead with their own mutual defence pact.
Niamey, Niger – General Abdourahamane Tiani of Niger (right) salutes alongside Captain Ibrahim Traore of Burkina Faso. They met as part of a presidential summit of military leaders for the inaugural meeting of the Alliance of Sahel States. On the agenda was bolstering regional security through a mutual defence pact. The alliance is made up of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which left the broader Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in January.
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Continued….. Tangiers, Morocco – Thousands march in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, despite the Moroccan government’s normalisation with Israel. Diplomatic efforts have failed to stop Israel from resuming its deadly bombing campaign on the besieged territory. According to a new study published in the journal, Lancet, the death toll in Gaza could exceed 186,000 as a result of Israel’s indiscriminate bombing of civilians.
Washington, U.S. – Activists rally in front of the White House demanding peace for Sudan and an end to the conflict fuelled by US allies like the UAE. They also demanded humanitarian aid and held signs with slogans ‘Let Sudan Live’ and ‘U.S. out of Africa’. According to the International Rescue Committee, at least 15,500 people have been killed during the war and more than 12-million people have fled their homes. It's the world’s largest displacement crisis.
Washington, U.S. – Activists rally in front of the White House demanding peace for Sudan and an end to the conflict fuelled by US allies like the UAE. They also demanded humanitarian aid and held signs with slogans ‘Let Sudan Live’ and ‘U.S. out of Africa’. According to the International Rescue Committee, at least 15,500 people have been killed during the war and more than 12-million people have fled their homes. It's the world’s largest displacement crisis.
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Continued….. Kassala, Sudan – A young child, escaping the turmoil of Singa, the capital of Sudan's Sennar state, arrives at a makeshift camp in eastern Sudan. Recent clashes between the Rapid Support Forces and the Sudanese Army have forced thousands to flee the town, highlighting the desperate need for humanitarian aid and peace in the region.
Munich, Germany – Lamine Yamal is Spain's 16-year-old football sensation who hit a wonder goal against France to send his team into the final of Euro 2024. It made him the youngest scorer in the competition's history. But let’s not forget his roots. His father is Moroccan and his mother is from Guinea. Alongside teammate Nico Williams, of Ghanaian descent, they make up some of Europe’s most promising football talent.
Ceres, South Africa – A road-closure sign stands amid the picturesque Bo-Swaarmoed Pass, where mountains have been transformed by unusual snowfall after two recent cold fronts swept through the Western Cape.
Munich, Germany – Lamine Yamal is Spain's 16-year-old football sensation who hit a wonder goal against France to send his team into the final of Euro 2024. It made him the youngest scorer in the competition's history. But let’s not forget his roots. His father is Moroccan and his mother is from Guinea. Alongside teammate Nico Williams, of Ghanaian descent, they make up some of Europe’s most promising football talent.
Ceres, South Africa – A road-closure sign stands amid the picturesque Bo-Swaarmoed Pass, where mountains have been transformed by unusual snowfall after two recent cold fronts swept through the Western Cape.
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KWAME TURE: WE ARE AT WAR
Amilcar Cabral once stated, ‘You measure a people’s potential for liberation based on how different their culture is from their oppressors.’
In this video clip from an unknown time, Pan-Africanist revolutionary Kwame Ture talks about the importance of understanding African culture, which European hegemony seeks to repress.
He also highlights that we are at war. While some would say war is a conflict between two equal sides, let’s momentarily play out this train of thought. Many Africans go about, day to day, without ever thinking about how European civilisation placed African people in a defensive position 500 years ago, when they started enslaving and killing us. Now, the most noble thing we can do is win our liberation, once and for all.
Do you think every African must be engaged in permanent collective action to bring us closer to our freedom? Let us know in the comments.
Amilcar Cabral once stated, ‘You measure a people’s potential for liberation based on how different their culture is from their oppressors.’
In this video clip from an unknown time, Pan-Africanist revolutionary Kwame Ture talks about the importance of understanding African culture, which European hegemony seeks to repress.
He also highlights that we are at war. While some would say war is a conflict between two equal sides, let’s momentarily play out this train of thought. Many Africans go about, day to day, without ever thinking about how European civilisation placed African people in a defensive position 500 years ago, when they started enslaving and killing us. Now, the most noble thing we can do is win our liberation, once and for all.
Do you think every African must be engaged in permanent collective action to bring us closer to our freedom? Let us know in the comments.
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BE WARY OF AFRICAN LEADERS LOVED BY THE WEST
Many are the times when we are told Africa’s problems are a result of bad leadership. While this is true to a certain extent, it does not tell the whole story.
Bad leaders in Africa are not a coincidence, but the result of colonisers’ calculations.
In the past, the West has not only ousted progressive African leaders, but installed or propped up puppets and tyrants, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Mobutu Sese Seko and Gabon’s Omar Bongo. These leaders are reported to have colluded with Western corporations to loot their countries’ resources while they lined their pockets.
In this video clip, South African content creator and blogger Darren Campher (@darrencampher.com on TikTok and @darrencampher.com_ on IG) explains how the West fights progressive African leaders
Video credit: Darren Campher
Many are the times when we are told Africa’s problems are a result of bad leadership. While this is true to a certain extent, it does not tell the whole story.
Bad leaders in Africa are not a coincidence, but the result of colonisers’ calculations.
In the past, the West has not only ousted progressive African leaders, but installed or propped up puppets and tyrants, such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Mobutu Sese Seko and Gabon’s Omar Bongo. These leaders are reported to have colluded with Western corporations to loot their countries’ resources while they lined their pockets.
In this video clip, South African content creator and blogger Darren Campher (@darrencampher.com on TikTok and @darrencampher.com_ on IG) explains how the West fights progressive African leaders
Video credit: Darren Campher
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US tire giant Firestone has operated the world’s largest natural rubber plantation in Liberia for nearly a century. But while it’s reaped massive profits, its neocolonial practices have left a dark mark on the local community and environment.
Facts of the Week looks at how the corporation has exploited Liberia. Firestone’s website claims to have made ‘unparalleled contributions to the economic and social development of the country’
Unfortunately, the facts paint a different picture. Have a read and give us your assessment.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
Facts of the Week looks at how the corporation has exploited Liberia. Firestone’s website claims to have made ‘unparalleled contributions to the economic and social development of the country’
Unfortunately, the facts paint a different picture. Have a read and give us your assessment.
Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
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SOCIAL MEDIA IS USED TO CONTROL ATHLETES
Sports stars are told to express themselves on the field of play, but it’s a whole different ball game when they want to express themselves on social media. Here, Boston Celtic’s forward, Jaylen Brown, outlines how athletes’ thoughts are kept carefully in check. They’re given meticulous media training to make sure they don’t say the ‘wrong thing.’ And if they do step out of line with their views, they’ll lose endorsements.
Hearing this from a player of Jaylen’s status, definitely gives it extra weight. Not only is he a 2024 NBA champion and Most Valuable Player (MVP), he’s also deeply involved in social justice and community activism. On top of that, he’s an academic. He majored in biology at the University of California, and took graduate-level classes in philosophy.
Sports stars are told to express themselves on the field of play, but it’s a whole different ball game when they want to express themselves on social media. Here, Boston Celtic’s forward, Jaylen Brown, outlines how athletes’ thoughts are kept carefully in check. They’re given meticulous media training to make sure they don’t say the ‘wrong thing.’ And if they do step out of line with their views, they’ll lose endorsements.
Hearing this from a player of Jaylen’s status, definitely gives it extra weight. Not only is he a 2024 NBA champion and Most Valuable Player (MVP), he’s also deeply involved in social justice and community activism. On top of that, he’s an academic. He majored in biology at the University of California, and took graduate-level classes in philosophy.
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Continued…. So, now you know that, don’t be surprised to hear him talk in this clip about Panopticism. In case you’re wondering, it’s a social theory that states we’re all being monitored by authorities. And Jaylen says social media has become their latest watchtower. Do you agree?
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Please follow us on Telegram, Link in Bio
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